Attendance
The Importance of School Attendance
The whole school team at Hathersage St. Michael's CE (A) Primary are incredibly proud of our school family and we want our children to enjoy coming to school. Our attendance ‘ target’ is 96%, however, we strive for 100%.
Research has shown that there is a high correlation between school attendance and academic performance and success. Absence from school is often the greatest single cause of poor performance and achievement, which will ultimately limit our children’s life chances – a consequence which I know we all want to avoid (we want our children to be able to apply for their dream job and be happy adults).
Why is it so important to attend every day?
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Learning is a progressive activity; each day’s lessons build upon those of the previous day(s).
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Reading the material and completing work independently does not compensate for direct interaction with the teacher (and their peers).
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Many classes use discussions, demonstrations, experiments and participation as part of the daily learning activities, and these cannot be repeated for those who are absent.
Are there other benefits to my child?
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Pupils with good attendance records generally achieve more highly and enjoy school more.
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Having a good education will help to give your child the best possible start in life.
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Regular school attendance patterns encourage the development of other responsible patterns of behaviour.
What are the risks of frequent absences?
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A child who does not attend school regularly will be unlikely to keep up with the work.
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The more pupils miss school, the lower they achieve; the lower they achieve, the less they want to stay in school.
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As a child who is frequently absent cannot draw upon prior learning, they will find lessons challenging and their self-confidence and self-esteem will suffer.
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Children who are regularly absent from school feel that they have missed out on shared experiences with their friends and they can feel isolated.
What can parents do to help?
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Parents must model the value of education, including the importance of regular attendance.
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Make sure that your child attends school regularly and arrives on time, they will then establish a good habit that they will carry through life.
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If your child starts missing school, please contact us and we will work together to put a plan in place which quickly addresses any issues.
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If your child is ill or must miss school for some other reason, contact school immediately.
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Schools cannot approve shopping trips, birthday treats or day trips during school hours. Please arrange family holidays so that your child will not miss any learning and ensure that you are aware of critical assessment periods. Y6 SATS tests are statutory and a celebration of your child’s academic success.
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Take an interest in your child’s school work and try be involved in the school as much as possible, your child will value school if you do.
What do I do if my child is ill?
Check the guidance below to see if you should bring them to school.
If your child is too ill to attend school, you must contact the school office to inform us that they are ill and the type of illness they have.
We can administer medicine during the school day if a medicine form is completed. Please see our Forms page or fill one in at the school office.
Our Attendance policy can be found on our Policies page.
Our Leave of Absence form can be found on our Forms page.